TheCall of Dutyseries is no stranger to controversy, but the upcomingCall of Duty: Modern Warfareis well on its way to being the most controversialCall of Dutygame yet. There are a number of reasons whyCall of Duty: Modern Warfarehas proven to be a controversial game, with one of the latest reasons being its White Phosphorus killstreak, which has earned the game some criticism.
TheWhite Phosphorus killstreakinCall of Duty: Modern Warfarehas been criticized by people who feel the game is glorifying the real-world weapon, which has been used not just against enemy combatants, but civilians to devastating effect. Activision and Infinity Ward have remained mostly silent about theCall of Duty: Modern WarfareWhite Phosphorus killstreak controversy, but multiplayer design director Geoff Smith recently addressed the issue.
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Speaking to VG 24/7, Smith described the multiplayer inCall of Duty: Modern Warfareas a “playground” that is separate from the realistic tone the single player campaign is trying to achieve. Smith pointed out that no specific burning animations were created for the White Phosphorus killstreak, and so the game will not be a realistic depiction of what happens when someone is caught in it. In-game, players will take damage and their character will cough when they’re hit by a White Phosphorus killstreak.
Smith also noted that pastCall of Dutykillstreaks haven’t had quite the same negative reaction. Specifically, pastCall of Dutygames have used nukes as a killstreak (and in fact,Call of Duty: Modern Warfareis bringing back the nuke), yet have avoided similar criticism despite nuclear weapons having also caused horrendous real-world destruction.
Smith guesses that the more realistic graphics in the new game compared to older titles may be partly to blame for the controversy surroundingCall of Duty: Modern Warfare’s White Phosphorus killstreak. “Maybe people are reacting to the photogrammetry, the more realistic visuals. Maybe if it was more cartoony would that be more acceptable?”
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare’s single player campaign has also been controversial, largely thanks to achild soldier mission that will reportedly depict dead children. It will be interesting to see how everyone reacts to the game’s more uncomfortable content when it launches later this year.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfarelaunches on October 25 for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
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Source:VG 24/7
